Fourth of July Weekend

July 3-6, 2009--- Friday morning we had a treat at the Crawford house---Rick took the day off work. This doesn't happen very often and we were excited to have some extra time with him. Mimi was coming in town that morning and he wanted to go with us to pick her up at the airport. We woke up bright and early so we could get haircuts before picking up Mimi. Anna Catherine opted for a new "do" because she wants her bangs to grow out. She got a short, choppy cut that she says makes her look like a "movie star".



Chloe mad because we wouldn't let her play on the luggage conveyor belt:

Chloe enjoyed riding on Mimi's suitcase:

Everyone was famished so we took Mimi to one of our favorite restaurants on the reservoir called Cock of the Walk. I'll blog about it another time. For now, I'll just say that the food is wonderful and the kids enjoy feeding the ducks our leftovers.

Afterwards, Rick, Mimi, AC, and Jackson went to the Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson to see the "Raoul Dufy: A Celebration of Beauty" exhibit and "Eudora Welty in New York" photographs. Sorry but I do not have any pictures from their outing. We spent the evening hanging out at home because we had a busy 4th of July planned.

Saturday morning we all piled in the car and drove south to spend the holiday with Aunt Kathy, Uncle Don, Heather, Andre, Jack, and Wes in Zachary (hate we missed Presly, Briley, and Cullen). The kids had their movies while the adults listened to a hilarious book on CD (I wish I could remember the name of it. I'll post about it when I get the title and author).

The family was waiting on us with tons of hugs and kisses when we arrived in Tiger Country. We ate a delicious lunch that Uncle Don had grilled, chatted for a few minutes, and then it was time to relax at the pool.

Andre trying to convince/conceive Jack into swimming.

Rick tossing AC in the air. He had to do this to each child multiple times during the three hours spent in the pool. His arms were very sore afterwards.

Chloe LOVED the diving board.

It was so nice to visit with some of our Louisiana family. I know Mimi enjoyed getting to see them as well. It was a quick visit but we get to see them in a few weeks at Carmen's wedding (YEA!).

We decided to take the opportunity Sunday afternoon to catch a movie at the local theater. Mimi took Anna Catherine to see "Bolt" the last time she visited and they wanted to see "UP" during this business. Jackson had been asking to see "Ice Age 3-D: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" so he and I took this theater opportunity to see it. This was his first theater experience and I was insure of how he would handle being in a dark room unable to talk, play, or walk around. We stocked up on popcorn, m-n-m's and diet coke at the concession stand. They had booster seats for the little ones which was handy. He wore his 3-D glasses the entire time and was well-behaved.

As you can see from the photos, he absolutely loved it!! (NOTE: These were taken while the credits were rolling and most people had left the theater.) We didn't leave from our seats until the credits were over, the lights were on, and the cleaning crew were prepping for the next showing. We plan to go back to see "Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs" and "Where the Wild Things Are".

That night the neighborhood kids had leftover fireworks and we were invited to play with sparklers, snap-n-pops, and bottle rockets. Our kids have always been afraid of fireworks and loud noises in general so we were unsure of what their participation level would be. Jackson and Chloe were excited but Anna Catherine wasn't as eager. Jackson actually held a sparkler! This is a big thing for him. Chloe has no fears so she was happy to get her hands on anything available. Anna Catherine opted to stay in the house with Mimi for most of the festivities. She did come as far as the front walk and watch for a short time but then went right back inside.

All good things must come to an end. Mimi went home Monday afternoon and we can't wait for her to come for another visit.